This week, it will finally be time to party like it's 1776 as communities across Door and Kewaunee counties celebrate Independence Day.

In Door County, the festivities get off to an early start on July 2 when Fish Creek holds its celebration with fireworks over the harbor and live music at Clark Park. The celebration is a two-day affair in Egg Harbor, with fireworks, music and food on July 3 and a 1:30 p.m. parade of July 4 featuring the University of Wisconsin-Madison Marching Band.

For those looking to double up on parades, Baileys Harbor will hold its parade at 10 a.m. July 4, between activities throughout the town and fireworks at dusk. Washington Island, Gills Rock and Sturgeon Bay also will have fireworks displays on July 4, with live music, food, drinks and more beforehand.

Destination Sturgeon Bay's Alexa Soto says that, with the Fourth of July falling on a Saturday, they are expecting big crowds for their biggest fireworks display in years.

Sister Bay will skip the holiday and instead host its annual Freedom Fest on July 11, featuring fireworks at Marina Park.

In Kewaunee County, the Kewaunee Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Independence Day celebration on July 3 with live music, food and activities in and around Lakehaven Hall before a fireworks display.

Click the links above for more information.

Photos taken by photographer Rachel Lukas